100 Wonders of Karnataka- Part 1(Post No.4160)

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Karnataka state in South India has several natural, architectural, historical and religious wonders. It was once called Mysore state. It has got huge monoliths, gateways, Nandhis (bulls) and Palaces. Everything is massive in Karnataka. The Hindu kings aimed high and achieved the best in architecture.

I will list them district wise.

Bengaluru (Bangalore is the capital of the state.

1.BASAVANGUDI OR BULL TEMPLE

It was built by Kempe Gowda around 1500 CE. The temple has a huge Nandhi (bull). It is a monolith sculpture measuring 4-57 metres in height and 6-10 metres in length.

There are other wonders like Lalbagh Botanical Gardens Tippu Sultan’s palace, Planetarium and several museums.

Dodda Ganapathi temple has a huge monolithic statue.

Badami Caves

2.CHANNAPATNA

Its wooden toys, wooden beads, bangles, boxes and light furniture are very popular.

3.KUDALA SANGHAMA

This is the confluence of Krishna and Malaprabha rivers. It is famous for the Sanghameswara temple. It is built in Chalukyan style.

Bagalkot district

4.AIVALLI (AIHOLE)

It was capital of Chalukyas for 400 years between 4th and 7th centuries. 140 temples with exquisitely carved sculptures are in the Vishnu and Shiva temples. It is a holy place for the Hindus, Jains and Buddhists

5.BADAMI

It was the capital of Early Chalukyas from 540 to 760 CE. The cave temples and museum are very popular tourist attractions. Buddhist rock cut caves, Hindu and Jain sculptures attract the tourists.

6.MUDHOL

It has got famous places of worship belonging to different religions. It is on the bank of Ghataprabha river. Shiva temple, Kamaleswara temple, Mahavir Basadi, Brahmagaddi Veerashiva mutt and Syed Beer dargah are located here.

It is very rare to get so many different religious spots in one place.

Hampi Stone Ratha

7.PATTADAKAL

It is on the banks of River Malaprabha and famous for 10 temples. It is declared as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE centre. The Virpakshesvara Temple has a beautiful huge gateway adorned with inscriptions. It has a huge Nandhi (bull) which is 2-6 metres tall.

Belagaavi (Belgaum) District

BELAGAAVI

It is very near Maharashtra border. It was the capital of Ratta Kings during 13th century. Several temples are in the town Kittur Rani Chennamma is associated with the place. She was one of the first freedom fighters.

9.GOKAK FALLS

Gokak falls is over the Ghataprabha river. It is 170 feet high. Because of its horse shoe shape it looks like a Mini Niagara falls. It is a natural wonder. Relics of ancient temples are in this place.

10.SAUNDATTI

It was the original capital of the Ratta Kings. There is also a fort built in 1734 Two famous temples are here.

Bellari District

11.HAMPI

It was once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire which destroyed the Muslim invaders. It is on the banks of the River Tungabadra. Harihara and Bukka founded the city in 1336 CE. It has got the relics of old temples destroyed by the Muslim invaders. Vittala Temple has the famous Kalyana Mandapa and Stone Chariot. The musical pillars in the temple are architectural wonders.

Virupaksha Temple 50 metre high gateway and pillared halls. It is famous for Vijayanagara period paintings. Lotus Maha was built for women. Ugra Narasimha temple has a huge Narasimha statue under the seven headed snake. It is 6-7 metre high. A huge Linga is also located in running water. Mahaswami Dibba buit by Krishna Deva Raya is here. Queen’s bath here is 15 metre square with a lotus headed fountain. Even in dilapidated condition Hampi stands as a symbol of Vijayanagara samrajya. In its glorious days it excelled all the capital cities in the world.

Bidar District

BIDAR

Bidar was the capital of Bahamani Sultans and Barid shah. Ahmed Shah rebuilt the old Hindu fort and changed it into a Muslim (style wise) Fort. It has got lot of tombs and buildings and famous for its Muslim architecture.

13.BIDAR FORT

It was built around 1426 CE. There are five big Gateways, Royal residence Rangin Mahal. This Mahal has ornately carved wooden pillars with Persian couplets engraved on it. Royal Kitchens, Royal baths, Ladies Apartments and 16 pillared prayer hall are popular attractions.

71 FEET HIGH WATCH TOWER

The 71 feet high watch tower ‘Chaubara’ stands in the middle of the town. A bird’s eye view of the town is available from the top of the tower.

15 & 16 NANAK JHEERA AND NARASIMHA JHEERA

Nanak Jheera is associated with Guru Nanak. When the town was undergoing a severe famine, his visit made the water to gush out as a spring (jheera). The sacred site is marked with a huge Gurudwara.

Narasimha Jheera (spring) is the only subterranean stream in Karnata.The subterranean cave has a water spring and Narasimha statue. Papanash, a Shiva temple is also located here.